the reason i ask is that i did just this a couple of weeks ago. i just took it slow and let any compression leak out of each cylinder as i rotated. after thinking about it, if the chain is slack enough i imagine there is a possibility of valve to cylinder contact? but i'm used to working with the volvo gas 4 banger noninterference engine.

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1982 300sd from craigslist $800 greased on one tank with NO CONVERSION in the Hot Texas Sun. (currently dead & awaiting engine damage investigation and/or longblock swap)
new daily: '03 vw 5speed jetta tdi wagon. bagged&chipped